Bowles: Jets traded up to 3rd pick in draft with 6-7 players in mind

The popular belief is that the New York Jets traded up to the third pick in the NFL draft to better position themselves to pick their franchise quarterback.

That may not be the case.

Jets head coach Todd Bowles said the team made the move up from No. 6 to No. 3 with six-to-seven players in mind, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

New York swapped picks with the Indianapolis Colts and also gave up the 37th and 49th overall picks, as well as a 2019 second-round selection, to get closer to the top of the draft board.

Among the players who could be selected with the first three picks are quarterbacks Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, and Baker Mayfield, running back Saquon Barkley, and defensive end Bradley Chubb. The Jets have needs at each of those positions and are likely playing possum before they're on the clock on April 26.